The Cubs’ (2-1) fourth Spring Training game of the season is about to kick off at Sloan Park, where they’ll be hosting the visiting Seattle Mariners (2-1) from out of town (well, everyone’s sorta from out of town, but you get the picture). And the lineup is similar to Saturday’s starter-filled contest, with a few notable exceptions.
For example, Victor Caratini is getting another start behind the plate (his second of the Spring) instead of Willson Contreras. And the guy Caratini is battling against for the backup catcher job, Chris Gimenez, is not in the lineup at DH like he was over the weekend. Instead, in that place, Efren Navarro gets his third start of the Spring (in four games). I can’t say this for sure just yet, but it sure seems like the Cubs are giving Navarro an extended look here in the early going.
And finally, as I’m sure you’ve noticed, Kris Bryant is no longer in the lineup, despite being on the lineup card earlier this morning. Fortunately, there’s no injury to report/worry over, but Mark Gonzales did mention that Bryant was sick (hence the lineup scratch). Hopefully, it’s just a quick thing and we see him back at it tomorrow for the Springs’ first televised Cubs game.
Tyler Chatwood is taking the mound for the Cubs today – the first of the expected starting rotation – and he’ll just look to stay healthy, work on what he can, get his 2.0 innings in, and get out. You’re also likely to see Brian Duensing and new guy Steve Cishek today, so keep your ears peeled for their innings when you’re listening to the game on MLB.com.
- Albert Almora Jr., CF
- Javy Baez, 2B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Addison Russell, SS
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Victor Caratini, C
- Efren Navarro, DH
- Peter Nourjos, LF
- Jason Vosler, 3B
Pitcher: Tyler Chatwood
Mariners Lineup:
#MarinersST Gameday Info – Feb. 26 at #Cubs. Lineups, Game Notes & More: https://t.co/Wjt45d1qmQ pic.twitter.com/t2rMiN3zB0
— MarinersPR (@MarinersPR) February 26, 2018